Political Quotes

“On February 4, BST, a bovine growth hormone produced by the Monsanto chemical company through genetic engineering, was allowed on the market by the FDA. On that very same day some of the largest dairy retailers and grocery store chains in America, including Ben and Jerry's in Vermont, announced that they would not handle or sell milk or dairy products which came from cows which had been injected with BST. Mr. Speaker, poll after poll has shown that the American people did not want their milk supply to be treated with BST. And furthermore, they want to know exactly what they are buying in the grocery store. In Vermont, a recent poll showed that 94 percent of the people said that 'products containing milk from hormone-treated cows should be labeled.' Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned about the FDA's interim guidance statement on labeling. Once again in this process, the wording they recommend protects the interests of Monsanto and not consumers or diary farmers. The people want to know the answer to one simple question when they read the label: Was this milk produced with a genetically engineering growth hormone, or was it not? They don't want to read more FDA propaganda for Monsanto. Mr. Speaker, the FDA must allow dairy processors to label milk simply and clearly, and let the consumer decide.”